NHRA: Mike Coughlin Is Poised For A Back-To-Back WIN
3 October 1999
Posted By Terry
Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
Raceday-it's the day that the thirty-three Pro Stock drivers wanted to be
a
part of. However, there is only one problem-there are only sixteen spots
available.
A rain shower delayed the action today for Pro Stock Truck, NHRA's newest professional class. The Pro Stock Truck class is the only professional class that begin their elimination rounds on Saturday. The first two rounds are run.
Being the first high horsepower vehicle down the race track after a rain delay is a spot that no drivers or team want to be in. John Coughlin took the honors when he faced off against newcomer Kim Smith.
John had lane choice and made a last minute change, he took the left lane. The JEG'S Mail Order S-10 took the advantage off of the startingline. However, the truck left on the aggressive side and searched for traction as it headed toward the finishline. The rear of the truck moved from side-to-side. John was forced shut off and coast to the finishline as he watched the win light come on in the other lane.
John stated, "We came out of the trailer strong for qualifying and I look forward to continuing that trend next week in Memphis. I'm within striking distance of the top ten and the team will do whatever it takes to get me there at the next race." The Pro Stock Truck class has three races remaining in their schedule this year.
In the first round Mike Coughlin found himself in an odd position. He started his battle from the number fifteen position and faced off against Brad Jeter. Mike and Brad have seen each other plenty this season from opposite lanes. When the two of them race each other you can almost guarantee that the race will be won on the startingline.
Jeter has lane choice and stuffed Mike in the left lane at the last minute. Both trucks staged together and the JEG'S Mail Order Chevy S-10 leaves the startingline first, Mike never looked back. The win light comes on for Coughlin and he advanced to the second round.
Mike made the second quickest run of the round and earned lane choice over Daniels. Mike noted, "We really have a strong handle on the JEG'S machine today. I am looking forward to gaining more valuable NHRA Winston points."
In the second round Mike faced off against Randy Daniels, Coughlin had lane choice. Mike took the right lane. The two trucks staged together without delay. Randy Daniels fouled and turn the red light on, which automatically turned the win light on for Coughlin.
The JEG'S Mail Order S-10 would have been hard to beat. The truck charged down the middle of the groove and laid down an impressive 7.57 second pass, which was good enough to give him lane choice tomorrow. Mike will go head-to-head with Larry Kopp, who was the '98 Pro Stock Truck Champion. Kopp is ahead of Mike's older brother in the NHRA Winston points, so you can bet that the yellow and black JEG'S S-10 will do what ever it takes to turn the win light on.
Mike said, "Our team is more then ready for tomorrow. We have had a good handle on this truck and we know what it's capable of winning at every event." Mike has won twice so far this year (Mopar Parts Nationals & US Nationals) and he came into the Advanced Auto Parts Nationals fresh off of his US Nationals win.
Editors Note: For hundreds of hot racing photos and racing art, be sure to visit The Racing ImageGalleries and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.